一路顺风
yīlù shùnfēng
The English phrase "safe flight" can be translated into Chinese as 一路顺风 (yīlù shùnfēng).
一路顺风 is a wish for a smooth and pleasant journey. While it is commonly used when someone is departing by plane, it is a general phrase that can be used for any type of travel, such as car or train trips.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "may the wind be at your back throughout your entire journey" (one way smooth wind).
Which one should you use?
While 一路顺风 focuses on a smooth journey, you might use 旅途愉快 (lǚtú yúkuài) for a more modern and neutral alternative that focuses on having a pleasant trip. For a more formal tone, 一路平安 (yīlù píng'ān) can be used to mean "have a safe journey" or "safe trip".
How do you pronounce it?
yīlù shùnfēng
Did you know?
- Although 一路顺风 is very common, some traditionalists avoid saying it to people traveling by plane. They believe that a plane needs the wind to be against it or controlled, rather than just having a 'smooth wind' following it.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the 'wind' mentioned in 一路顺风 refers to the favorable winds that historically guided sailing ships, long before the invention of airplanes.
- The character 顺 in 一路顺风 also appears in the word for 'obedient' or 'following the current', reflecting a cultural value of harmony with natural forces.
Examples in context
- 你要出发了，一路顺风。Nǐ yào chūfā le, yílù shùnfēng.You are about to depart, have a safe flight.
- 祝你一路顺风，到家后再联系。Zhù nǐ yílù shùnfēng, dàojiā hòu zài liánxì.Wish you a safe flight, contact me after you get home.
Example conversation
At the airport, a woman sees off her male friend.
- 雨婷 Yuting快登机了，一路顺风！Kuài dēngjī le, yílù shùnfēng!It's almost time to board, have a safe flight!
- 伟 Wei谢谢你，雨婷。Xièxiè nǐ, Yǔtíng.Thank you, Yuting.
- 雨婷 Yuting到了给我发个信息。Dàole gěi wǒ fā gè xìnxī.Send me a message when you arrive.
- 伟 Wei没问题，再见。Méi wèntí, zàijiàn.No problem, goodbye.
